Everything you need to know about Belfast TradFest 2026

It's one of the island of Ireland's leading traditional arts celebrations, and it's about to bring almost 600 events to Belfast. TradFest is a week long festival that celebrates traditional music, song and dance with 1,000 artists lined up in 40 venues across the city. Now in its eighth year, thousands of people are set to descend on the city. From concerts to sessions in your local pub, it's time to get your dancing shoes on. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the festival. When does Belfast Tradfest begin? TradFest The céilí at the Titanic Slipways is free but you need to register for tickets Belfast Tradfest begins on Sunday and starts with a bang at the island of Ireland's biggest céilí. The festival's main céilí returns to Titanic Slipways at 13:00 BST on Sunday. Over 10,000 are expected to attend this outdoor celebration featuring the Blackwater Céilí Band, Jack Warnock, and Niamh McGlinchey. It's free but you need to register for tickets. There are also a range of family activities, including a bodhrán circle, face painting, children's maritime art workshops, and food stalls. Artistic director of Belfast TradFest, Dónal O'Connor, says the céilí is "a living link to our ancestors, celebrating their spirit, resilience and enduring legacy". Next year, the organisers plan to enter the Guinness World Records title for the world's biggest céilí. There are also a range of smaller céilís being held throughout the week. Belfast TradFest ends on Sunday 2 August. Will any roads be closed? Roads in Belfast are staying open during TradFest. Many of the TradFest venues are within walking distance of each other on the northern side of the city centre. What concerts are on? Getty Images Joannie Madden from Cherish The Ladies McGoldrick is famed as being one of the greatest flute-players in the world. He also plays tin whistle, uilleann pipes and low whistle. Doors open for Sunday's concert in the Mandela Hall at 19:30 BST. They are a group of female performers from the US who combine instrumental and vocals with step dance and storytelling. They are playing in the Mandela Hall at 13:00 BST. Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean is Solas - a band formed in New York in the 90s that blends Irish traditional music with folk and Americana. They're performing at the Mandela Hall on Friday 31 July. Click here for the full line up. What other events are on? If you attend one of the concerts and don't want the party to end, there are also a number of nighttime events. There will be gatherings of musicians and singers at The Deer's Head for late night revelry throughout the week. Travellers and commuters will be able to enjoy pop up céilís, traditional music performances and bodhrán circles at Grand Central Station. Tradfest started out as a summer school and evolved into a festival. There are a range of masterclasses teaching a variety of instruments that are open to children and adults, as well as talks and screenings. There are a series of sessions all over the city if you want to pop into a pub to tap your feet to some traditional music. Or if you aren't a drinker, there will also be sober seshes held in alcohol-free venues. There's also a walking tour looking at Belfast's harping heritage. Click here for the full programme. All-Ireland Fleadh It's the the world's largest festival of Irish music and dance and runs in Belfast from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August and is expected to attract 800,000 people to Belfast